I think this is a bit of cynical take, but that entire article to me seems to be the author as trying to just say "you didn't want it bad enough". A position I've always hated because it makes every failing a personal one. If that's the learning took away from their wrestling career, it's the wrong one.

But I did like the idea of them not being entirely clear about their own motivations, even to themselves - and that is a dangerous cave to play it.